Downtown's First Friday (March 2)

Art walks are more often about people watching and shenanigans and less about the actual art. We're here to guide you through both. Presenting our very own Field Guide -- an evolving guide to art walks around town.

From time to time, we'll introduce some of our favorite spots and dish out some insider information. If you have any tips or tricks, share 'em in the comments section.

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To the delight of paper mache fiends and pinata fans, Downtown arts maven Beatrice Moore will once again open the doors of her Bragg's Pie Factory for her fifth annual Mutant Pinata show.

In the past, entries have included large-scale converse shoes, live performance art (from a hanging net, of course), traditional pinatas, and a few jackalope creations made by yours truly. You can take a sneak peek at our entry for this year -- but trust us, she's even better in person. More info here.

- Group Show @ First Studio

When Charles Darr, J.J. Horner, Eric Iwersen, Colton Brock, Nomas, and Casebeer announced they were all hanging work at First Studio for First Friday, we might have drooled ... just a little bit. The artists, who are from Tempe and Downtown, are known for their work in a variety of media including (but not limited to) photography, painting, mixed-media, stencil, and wheat paste. Their show will open tonight around 7 at 631 N 1st Ave.. More info here.

Peter Bugg

​​- Public Eye: Work by Peter Bugg and DOSE @ Willo North

Peter Bugg and an artist who goes by DOSE are fascinated by the public eye. For years, Bugg has collected and studied tabloids and celebrity-soaked magazines that provide insight on our fascination with fame. DOSE is known for his work on the street. He grew up writing graffiti and has since transitioned into creating public artwork, including a mural on the Seed & Feed Building in downtown Phoenix. Their work, including papel picados and collectors plates by Bugg and (relatively) small-scale work by DOSE explores celebrities and artists' lives through the lens of the public. Willo North, 2811 N. 7th Ave., opens tonight at 6 p.m.. More info here.

- "Salt: Studies in Preservation and Manipulation" @ Eye Lounge

Claire Warden says she's been collecting plant specimens for a while, and began soaking them in salt walter and allowing them to dry and crystallize as she became interested in the chemistry of preservation. She then photographed each, and the result is a collection of platinum palladium prints that observe this process. Eye Lounge, 419 E. Roosevelt St., will open at 6 p.m. More info here.

Other Useful Information:​

Roy Wasson Valle

- There is a TON going on, and most of these art shows will be open through Art Detour (Downtown's two day art celebration), so pace yourself.

- The Phoenix Art Museum has great parking (and great art, go figure), and is back as one of the stops for the First Friday Trolley. On-street parking is limited along Roosevelt Street between First and Seventh streets (Note: meters Downtown are checked until 5 p.m.). Or if you can nab a spot, check out the free street parking on Grand Avenue ...

​- If you missed it, our 18 limited-edition jackalope sticker by Roy Wasson Valle will be making its debut tonight! (Find a few at each location on the map.)